This playlist might seem a bit New York City centered, but that’s because it’s where I walk. It’s mellow, even a bit melancholy, since autumn and winter are moody times for me. But it’s also filled with happy memories that remind me of happy times. I could walk miles and miles listening to this music. In fact, I do.
Autumn Walk in the City
1. Free the Animal / Sia
Oh, Sia, she just gets me going and hits all the right notes. This is a good way to start a walk…Free the animal!
2. Winter in my Heart / The Avett Brothers
A little depressing, but one of my favorite Avett Brothers songs.
3. Coffee / Sylvan Esso
If I am walking, I’ve already had my coffee. But this song reminds me just how good it was
4. In a Sentimental Mood / Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
Quintessential New York, it’s like the sound is ground into the sidewalks.
5. Beyond the Horizon / Bob Dylan
This Dylan song reminds me of a country club version of an old Duke Ellington song, even though it’s totally new (well, new for Dylan, that is).
6. Autumn in New York / Billie Holiday
Need I say more?
7. Skylark / Bette Midler
My all-time favorite Bette Midler song (music by the great Hoagy Carmichael. Heard it first when I was 14. Now I personally know just how important she is to the city of New York, and I’m so proud of her.
8. New York City Serenade / Bruce Springsteen
My 8-year-old asked if this was Bach. “Even better,” I said. “It’s Bruce.” And my favorite line, “no, she won’t take the train,” makes me smile because it’s true for me, too.
9. Remember Me (Original Mix) / Blue Boy
An old song I only just discovered. And now we are grooving!
10. Bridges / Broods
A new song I heard on the radio (XMU). I know nothing about the band except that I like this song.
11. Down in the Hole / Bruce Springsteen
New Bruce. Let’s just say when he switches voices in the middle of the song, I feel it in my deepest soul.
12. Love Is the Law / Paul Kelly
It almost sounds like a U2 song, but Paul Kelly is the Bob Dylan of Australia. I adore him.
13. Love and Anger / Kate Bush
If I lived in London, I would walk to see Kate Bush in concert for the first time in 35 years and scream and cry with everyone else. Except it’s sold out. Forever.
Thanks to Spotify, you can stream the entire playlist here:
You can find a shout-out to this playlist along with the headphones I use to listen to it in the first-ever Rodale’s catalog; coming soon! Request your complimentary catalog here.
What songs would make up your autumn walking playlist? Let me know in the comments!
September Morn- Neil Diamond
September Song- Frank Sinatra
Time and Tide- Basia
The Four Seasons “Autumn” – Antonio Vivaldi
Elvira Madigan- W. A. Mozart
Smooth Operator – Sade
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face- Roberta Flack
McArthur’s Park – Richard Harris
Long Ago – Karen Carpenter
Nocturnes – F. Chopin
When You Love A Woman – Journey
I’ll Be There for You- Bon Jovi
Always – Bon Jovi
Feel Like Makin’ Love – Roberta Flack
Body and Soul – Anita Baker
Giving You The Best That I Got – Anita Baker
So many others…
Just came from New York last weekend Maria. I know exactly how you feel!
My favorite is “I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City” by Harry Nilsson–it’s a happy song!
I like Roger Williams “Autumn Leaves” and “moondance” by Van Morrison!